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I'm in, +3. I also have a PayPal account, if that would help facilitate collecting the money.

Thanks, Mudpuppie and Jaymes! NewYorkTexan, it turns out I will be staying in Austin overnight tomorrow night, so I could meet up with you for dinner at whatever time is convenient for you. Anyone else want to join?

Hi everyone, Any recommendations for these two towns or the roads between? I'm doing a 10-day trip (2/12-21) to visit family and will be spending most of my time in San Antonio and San Angelo. I'm flying in and out of Austin, though, so if anyone is free for a late lunch or early dinner on Thursday, I'd love to meet up. I'm primarily interested in Mex (Tex-Mex, New Mexican or just Mexican) and anything you think I shouldn't miss. Thanks, y'all! Erin (Texan by birth)

What an incredible meal! It's really hard to say what was better, the food or the company. Every time I go to Varmint's house (or his in-laws'), I meet more and more amazing people. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. scottie and Mr. and Mrs. Random Alias for the directional help, assistance in the kitchen and kind invitations to dine elsewhere (next time, I promise!). And Varmint, I DID leave some dessert for you (and pancetta for 'Cella's parents, the wonderful hosts)! I think I'm finally ready to eat more food now....

Thanks for the info, guys... I should've known Holly had been there!

Any intel on Ralph's Bar-B-Que in Weldon? It was just recommended to me as a good place to stop off of I-95. Thanks! By the way, welcome Keith!

I was thinking about making amaretti to go with the pears anyway, so I'd be happy to make biscotti (and gelato as well--I have an ice cream maker). Just wanted to make sure the poached-pear idea was a go before I started accessorizing. For a wine pairing idea, what about prosecco? I wish we could have some of gualojote's special brew to go with the biscotti... I can stop by the Italian Store (good deli selection) en route to pick up salumi or other antipasti items. What would you like me to get?

With all of their prepared-food offerings, it makes sense to buy everything at Wegmans if we're doing a tailgate. No advance work, plus you can then figure out what to pick up when you're next there and hungry after making several rounds through all of the foot and cart traffic. I'd bet it's near impossible to make a quick Wegmans run, even if you live close like Hannah!

S'ok about Magnolia Grill... I'm just as happy to spend the evening with family and wait 'til we get more of a critical eG mass. It wouldn't be the same without Varmint anyhow! As an alternative, I was thinking of picking up some good barbecue for us on the way down from DC (95/85/55/147/55). Any suggestions? Varmint, I loved your 'cue report from the scouting trip with Fat Guy and Ellen, but I have no idea if I'll be near any of those places. (I don't mind driving a bit out of the way.) For a light dessert, how about poached pears?

I'll make dessert and will bring wine to go with. Should I stick to traditional Italian or do something more contemporary? Requests/ideas welcomed; I'll also look into munchies/apps and finalize my choice(s) next week. I'm up for Magnolia Grill as well on the 6th. My home computer is sick, so I'm without access over the weekend. Have a good one, everybody!

Consider me confirmed.

I am SO there. You're also welcome to ride over in my "sexy" car! I wish I were eligible for one of the $5K shopping sprees, but I already have my Shoppers card. I signed up at the Woodbridge, NJ opening last November, but would have waited if I'd known about the online sweepstakes. Good luck to everyone else!

Re Ginger Reef/Ginger Cove: Last Friday was the first day I saw them serving customers (I've been peeking in the windows on my way to work).

Awww! [sending positive thoughts]

Is "sweet and sour chile powder" anything like "hot ham"?

Seth, yes, I'll be making the pithiviers tomorrow. I know yours'll turn out great! And definitely freeze 2/3 of it for later. For the pissaladiere I'm going to go with Julia, but thanks for the offer!

That's too bad, Kris... I was going to suggest that you re-gift each of those to the other's giver.

Should be OK for me. Can we work in a group meal at Magnolia Grill this time, since we didn't get to over the Pig Pickin' extravaganza?

I echo Marlene on mini-choppers, and I would also like to nominate garlic presses. I have three, all received as gifts and none ever used.

If anyone's interested, here's Julie's experience with pissaladiere nicoise from the Julia Project: Pissaladiere Nicoise

I'd love to make the pissaladiere if someone can PM me the recipe. Seth, I'm so glad someone else is into making a dessert, especially a pithiviers. That recipe was the first thing to really catch my eye from Dessert Circus; I've been warned that it's not as exciting as it looks, but I still want to try it. Something about its oven metamorphosis appeals to the kid in me, I guess!

I'd love to be part of the DC contingent, and can chime in on the date discussion once I receive feedback from my sis on her schedule. (If we're now deciding between the 7th and 21st, though, I provisionally prefer the 21st.) I have no experience with making pasta dough, but would be glad to contribute fillings and/or desserts--and elbow grease, of course. Al, I'd be happy to give you a ride as well (in the interest of full disclosure, though, I should note that like Malawry I'm also a smart-ass).

I'm still here! How about an ANWTC menu? I have time this weekend if y'all are interested.

You're right; it's a pomegranate reduction.

Luna Grill & Diner on Connecticut just south of Dupont Circle. Not quite your traditional diner atmosphere, but the menu has all the classics, well-prepared. Try the home fries.